After nearly 3 years, the fourth and final volume in the story of the 2nd Tactical Air Force has been completed. The 2nd TAF was basically a ground attack organization, mainly because there just weren't that many German planes to be found. Most of the Luftwaffe's focus in the last months of the war was not on the on the western front, but on the Russians, so that is where the bulk of the opposing aviation units were sent. Not that there were not targets for allied aircraft in this area, just that there weren't as many as was hoped for by kill-hungry fighter pilots.

This volume is not one that is dedicated to the daily operations as were the first three, but more of an appendix book. Inside you'll find a look at the tactics used in both air to air operations as well as ground attack tactic against various types of targets. Attacking a bridge is somewhat different than going after a hardened fortification, for instance.  There are also sections on the weapons used and the training given to pilots. Then we get to my favorite section, camouflage and markings of the various aircraft that were part of the 2nd TAF. This is followed by a rundown of every squadron that was part of this organization.

No book is complete without a look of what it was like to fly and maintain the aircraft and Classic provides several sections on this subject. To me, some of the more interesting reading. This is followed by a look at the aircraft that were flown by the Germans at this time. Most of these photos are of captured aircraft adorned with RAF markings. Many of the liaison types were used by the RAF if they were captured intact and in flying condition. Finally, a look at the post war existence of these units, brief though most of them were, and the types they were flying upon disbanding.

This is a fitting conclusion to an excellent series of books on a part of the war that many have overlooked. It is superbly done and belongs on your bookshelf. I can recommend this one without hesitation.

June 2009

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